first incline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first incline" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to an initial slope or angle, but without context, it is ambiguous and not commonly used. Example: "As we approached the mountain, we noticed the first incline was steeper than we expected."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The first incline left me winded; by the time I got around to the East Side, my legs had almost nothing left.

The New York Times - Sports

On my first try last year, I got off and walked my bike down the first incline after we left the parking lot.

The New York Times - Travel

I hit the first incline around mile two and immediately I feel my right hamstring start to tighten up.

Huffington Post

From here the line runs into the gorge, high above the river on a narrow ledge, ending at the foot of the first incline leading to the Bryn Eglwys quarry.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The son of Ferdinand I and Maria Carolina, Francis at first inclined toward liberalism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Poet and critic T. S. Eliot, in his 1929 "Dante" essay, responded to Richards: I am at first inclined to agree .

Wikipedia

Alternatively, the decision tool could prompt the provider to focus on breast cancer risk reduction even though the patient is first inclined to discuss other health issues.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The slow exposure time of his camera, maybe two or three seconds, inclined sitters to collect themselves, to present something of their personality, which transcended their social role.

The New York Times - Arts

First-incline-then-drip method and first-drip-then-incline method were used to measure the Sliding Angle (SA) of droplet on butterfly wing surface by an optical Contact Angle (CA) measuring system.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

When the question of entry into the war convulsed the Cabinet in late July and early August 1914, he seemed at first to incline to the isolationist section.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We all climbed the first steep incline to the flat area known as Hole in the Wall, then we started to run.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a route or course, specify the characteristics of the "first incline", such as its steepness, length, or terrain, to provide a clearer picture for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "first incline" without context. Be specific about what is inclining and how it relates to the rest of the description to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first incline" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the initial slope or upward gradient in a physical context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase may lack clarity in written English, suggesting it could be replaced with more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first incline" is a relatively uncommon way to describe an initial slope or gradient. As Ludwig AI notes, it is not the most clear or precise phrasing. While found in diverse sources such as news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, its infrequent usage and potential for ambiguity suggest that writers should opt for clearer alternatives like "initial slope" or "primary slope". While "first incline" is not grammatically incorrect, its lack of common usage may cause confusion for readers. Always consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial ascent

Focuses on the beginning of an upward climb.

primary slope

Highlights the earliest gradient or angled surface.

first grade

Highlights the earliest grade or angled surface.

starting gradient

Emphasizes the gradual increase in steepness from the beginning.

inaugural rise

Describes the very first part where the elevation increases.

initial upgrade

Refers to the first section that goes upwards.

early slope

Highlights the slope at the beginning of something.

opening climb

Highlights the first climbing section of a route.

initial ramp

Highlights the first sloping surface or ramp.

first grade

Refers to the first stage of elevation change.

FAQs

How can I describe an initial slope more clearly?

Instead of "first incline", use alternatives like "initial slope", "primary slope", or "starting gradient" for better clarity.

Is "first incline" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "first incline" can be ambiguous. It's generally better to use clearer terms such as "initial ascent" or "first slope".

What's the difference between "first incline" and "initial ascent"?

"Initial ascent" more directly implies the beginning of an upward climb, while "first incline" is more general and could refer to any initial angled surface, depending on the context.

Can I use "first incline" to describe a change in attitude?

While technically possible, it's unconventional. "First incline" is better suited for describing physical gradients. For changes in attitude, use phrases like "initial tendency" or "first reaction".